Pet Product News Names California Business Retailer of the Year

As part of Pet Product News International’s Pet Retailer of the Year Award program, Furry Face, a dog and cat store, was selected for the Outstanding Pet Services Award. As part of the honor, the business will receive a seat on the trade magazine’s Retail Advisor Board for one year and will be profiled in its July 2012 issue.

Located in the downtown district of the Redlands area of California, Furry Face opened its doors in 2004, with products, services, grooming, boarding and spa services. Owner Lorin Grow cites pets having evolved in the last few years and becoming complete family members. She told a local newspaper, “People are interacting with them much more, they’re including them in more activities, and they want to do more things with them – we’re certainly like that.”

One of 11 businesses recognized by the publication as part of its Retail of the Year Awards, this honor was established 19 years ago with the intent of recognizing businesses for retail excellence. Final candidates are selected from surveys sent out to retailers nationwide by the magazine. This year’s Retailer of the Year Award contest was sponsored by the World Pet Association (WPA).
Some of the criteria used in selecting candidates for this award consideration include employee training practices, promotion of companion animals, involvement with professional and service organizations, innovative promotion, effective strategies in the marketplace, and community and industry impact.

Furry Face works in tandem with Redlands Animal Shelter and also supported the acquisition of a drug-sniffing dog for the Redlands Police Department. Owner Grow reported, “When you shop for your fur-kid, it’s important for somebody to ask questions, especially when it comes to food, because that’s the most important drug you put in an animal.”